So I’ve been getting some emission codes and I’m convinced I need a new cat. Just need to single out the one or if I need more than one. However, I have it understood that only Denso 02 sensors are the way to go, but how about the Cats themselves? Do any of you know of a good aftermarket brand for the cats on these 4runners? Specifically a 2003. Will need to do emission testing in a year or so and would like to know if I can save SOME money on this repair because paying for OEM cats would suck. Thanks. And No I don’t live in California I live in Chicago.
Aftermarket Cat Converters that work?
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MikeinNH67
Senior Member
You don't mention which cats, which engine or what the code is. I replaced the passenger manifold/cat with the cheapest one from Rockauto a couple years ago on my v6, I don't see the same brand on there now. I replaced it because it was leaking at the seal to the cylinder head. Only code I've gotten is a few times a year I get one for the cat on the driver's side which I just reset and keep going. Keep in mind some of these codes can show up because of an exhaust leak.
Keep getting p0420, p0430, P2238. Been having these codes forever the truck runs fine. Those are the first three codes that I get though. Not sure on what to do here. Whether to replace the sensors and see what happens? I would like to narrow it down to the main issue. But I don’t have a good scanner that’ll show me 02 sensor readings.
Warwicke36
New member
See my thread on what I did to fix mine for cheap.... may be your issue...may not. Worth a quick read.
Cheap potential P0420 P0430 Catalyic Converter Efficiency Fix
Cheap potential P0420 P0430 Catalyic Converter Efficiency Fix
I believe I’ve read that post before. I replaced them but kind of fudged one of the studs up and ended up drilling a hole and putting a through bolt w/ a nut to hold it in place. Needless to say it leaks a crap ton now will need to get that welded soon now but who knows might or might not be my exact issue.
MikeinNH67
Senior Member
I wouldn't be replacing any cats until your leaks are fixed and probably that code P2238 figured out. I found my leak by pressurizing the tail pipe and listening for air leakage up front.
Yeah I need to find a way to find my leaks. A smoke machine would help too. Think I’ll make a trip to harbor freight and see what tools it is they have to help me with it. Leaks is a cheap place to start.
MikeinNH67
Senior Member
I rigged up something to connect to my air compressor. Basically had the hose going to my blow nozzle, then a hose attached to that and attached to a spray paint cover. I put a split in the paint cover, slid it over the exhaust pipe and put a hose clamp around that to keep it in place. I turned my compressor pressure way down to 10 or 15 pounds I think. Pressed the button on the blow nozzle and listened for air getting out. It took me longer to rig the setup than to find the leak.
I just got Walker cats for my gen4 T4R, almost half price!
Glad I stumbled on carid.com amazing prices overnight delivery to NJ
I just replaced both 2nd stage cats on my 2008 V6, spent about half
of what a local auto parts store would charge.
Glad I stumbled on carid.com amazing prices overnight delivery to NJ
I just replaced both 2nd stage cats on my 2008 V6, spent about half
of what a local auto parts store would charge.
